The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has made a significant enforcement move, arresting three masquerades for parading the streets without authorization and allegedly attacking innocent citizens. This action directly enforces a recent executive order signed by the state governor.
Police Enforcement of the Governor's Directive
Commissioner of Police Baba Azare confirmed the arrests in Uyo, the state capital, on Monday, December 22. The police authority stated that the masquerades were taken into custody in the Eket local government area during the celebration of Ekid Day on Saturday, December 20. According to the police, the individuals injured by the masquerades are currently receiving treatment at undisclosed hospitals within Akwa Ibom State.
The core of the police's action lies in the contravention of Executive Order signed by Governor Umo Eno approximately two weeks prior to the incident. This order explicitly bans masquerades from parading on public streets without prior approval from the police force. Governor Eno, while expressing respect for tradition and culture, justified the ban as a necessary measure to curb the insecurity, chaos, and public nuisance often associated with such activities. The stated goal of the order is to restore sanity and dignity within the society.
Public Reaction to the Unusual Arrests
The video of the arrested masquerades, shared online, has sparked a wave of reactions from Nigerians, highlighting a national conversation on culture, modernity, and law enforcement.
Many comments on social media platforms reflected a mix of amusement and concern. One user, temilade_official, described the scene as satirical, calling it "the funniest video of the year 2025." Another perspective, from official_lawz1, questioned the involvement of the police, asking, "How did we get here? Don’t these villages have a community head, kings, etc, to allow the police into these kinda issues? Our culture is dying all in the name of civilisation."
Other reactions critically examined the nature of the cultural practice itself. User kennylawrence commented, "Wonder why this 'culture' cannot be practised without causing harm to innocent people... when you do ridiculous things like flogging bystanders or harming them, what exactly is the benefit of preserving such cultural heritage?" The arrest has clearly ignited a debate on the boundaries of cultural expression and public safety.
Context: Governor Eno's Personal Background
In a related note, Governor Umo Eno recently shared insights into his humble beginnings during a convocation address at Mountain Top University in Ogun State. He recounted how life became difficult for his family after his father, a police officer, died in active service. To support his mother, a young Umo Eno hawked soft drinks on the streets of Lagos. This personal history of struggle and perseverance forms part of the public profile of the governor now implementing strict security measures in his state.
The arrest of the masquerades in Akwa Ibom represents a clear clash between enforcing contemporary security measures and regulating deep-seated traditional practices. The police action demonstrates the state's commitment to its executive order, while the public debate underscores the ongoing tension between cultural preservation and modern governance in Nigeria.
